Your TR Source
In a statement written for the newspaper, Theodore Roosevelt discusses American relations with Germany, saying a state of war has existed between Germany and America since Germany renewed their submarine warfare on neutrals and noncombatants.
1917-03-20
William Sowden Sims wrote a paper about future naval tactics for an entire fleet of ships and shares his conclusions with Theodore Roosevelt, as well as enclosing the paper. Sims believes many modifications will be needed for future naval actions, listing them for Roosevelt, whom he thinks they will interest.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-10-05
Senator Lodge sends President Roosevelt a newspaper copy of his speech to send to Secretary of War William H. Taft and commends Roosevelt for his speech. He also sends a letter he wrote to a friend, concerning recent stock market fluctuations, on which he wants Roosevelt’s opinion. Lodge hopes Roosevelt will look into the matter of the submarine boats.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-21
Brigadier General Murray contests several statements made by Mr. Archibald regarding the incompleteness of the fixed defenses of the Pacific Coast harbors. Murray assures Chief of Staff Bell that the mines used in the coastal defense system are controlled from shore and are harmless to friendly vessels. Murray also notes that submarines are promising war vessels but they have not yet proven to be valuable and, therefore, Mr. Archibald’s suggestion to adopt submarines for the defenses of the harbors is “preposterous.” Murray does believe, however, that submarines possess decided merit for uses supplemental to fixed defenses in harbors where mines cannot be used.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01
In compliance with a letter he received from the President’s secretary, Secretary of War Taft sends President Roosevelt a letter from James F. J. Archibald that relates to the submarine defense of the Pacific Coast and Hawaiian islands, and reports from General Arthur Murray, the Chief of Artillery, and General William W. Wotherspoon, Acting Chief of the Army Third Division, General Staff.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-24
Corps of Engineers Lieutenant Colonel Leach summarizes James F. J. Archibald’s letter to President Roosevelt regarding the weak defense of the Hawaiian Islands. In general, the Pacific Ocean is very poorly defended and should be considered a vulnerability. Leach discuses the logistics of introducing submarine weapons into naval defenses and previous attempts to acquire such weapons. While Leach concedes that Hawaii is lacking in defense, he strongly disagrees with the position that the Pacific Ocean is vulnerable and proves this by listing the local forts and their weaponized capacity.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-21
The Office of Naval Intelligence reports that there has been no change along the Sha River. Russian naval divisions are en route. It is reported that five Holland submarines arrived in Yokohama.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-11-25
President Roosevelt holds the “big stick” and “peace” papers as he looks towards the United States Capitol building. A number of papers fall out of his briefcase: “cotton scandal airing,” “magazine article written,” “investigation of Castro,” “beef trust jostle,” “a submarine trip,” “cabinet changes,” “speeches made,” and “sermon preached.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-10-01
The writer of this article opines that it was improper for President Roosevelt to travel in a submarine because it endangered his life.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-08
At 9:00 a.m., President Roosevelt signs a paper that reads, “Grafting must be stopped.” At 10:00 a.m., Roosevelt points to a banner that reads, “Why certainly, Wilkes-Barre, anything to oblige.” At noon, Roosevelt holds a picnic basket and a fishing rod as he walks with several children. At 1:00 p.m., Roosevelt talks on the telephone. At 2:00 p.m., Roosevelt hands a “letter to peace conferences” to a messenger. At 4:00 p.m., Roosevelt travels in a submarine and says, “Delighted!” At 8:00 p.m., Roosevelt sits in a rocking chair writing poetry with a book of “poems” beside him. At 10:00 p.m., Roosevelt falls asleep in a tent. The moon says, “Delighted.” A handwritten note is included: Respectfully submitted.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-08-28
A “peace” mermaid holds a mirror with President Roosevelt’s reflection in it and a comb as she guides the submarine that holds Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-08-27
President Roosevelt stands in a submarine with an American flag and waves his hat as a “peace dove” flies by.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-08-27
Theodore Roosevelt advocates taking immediate and vigorous action in response to the actions of the German submarines.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-04-02
Theodore Roosevelt does not understand Leopold James Maxse of the National Review who is being “severe” towards the United States and the role Jews play in British society. Maxse supported William H. Taft and is supporting President Wilson even though they do not want the United States to do its duty towards Great Britain. American public opinion is shifting towards Britain and the allies. Wilson is pursuing a policy that will appease the pacifists and not antagonize the allies. Roosevelt hopes Britain will not provoke the United States and other neutrals by violating the rules laid out in the Hague Conventions. He is anxious over German submarines disrupting commerce and chagrined at the German victory in East Prussia. However, Roosevelt believes that Germany will be defeated if the allies remain united.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-02-26
The success of German submarines has given Theodore Roosevelt a “very uneasy feeling.” Roosevelt is concerned that Great Britain’s ability to continue fighting might rely on American merchant shipping. As such, the British should be cautious when protesting neutrality rights and confiscating cargoes. Great Britain must decide what is in their own interests, but if they are mistaken the responsibility is upon them. Roosevelt hopes the British will avoid a “clash” with the United States, no matter who is in the right. The Wilson administration is courting the German vote and Roosevelt understands British contempt for the administration.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-02-05
Charles Simon Barrett helped pass the amendment in the Senate, but could not get it passed in the House. Barrett thinks the amendment could have passed in the House if he had more notice. Barrett and Gifford Pinchot will travel through the south and urge farmers to grow more food. Pinchot has applied with Herbert Hoover for a position on the Food Committee.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1917-04-30
Anson K. Cross developed a patent for an air purifying system that allows a submarine to stay submerged indefinitely. He asks for Theodore Roosevelt’s help in applying the method to submarines while his patent is delayed, preventing other nations from using it.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-04-12
Secretary of the Navy Bonaparte denies the charge that he is going to participate in the Philadelphia campaign, noting that he will rather devote his energies to the campaign in Massachusetts. He will attend to President Roosevelt’s suggestions regarding revisions to naval regulations as soon as he can discuss the matter with Admiral Converse. He will also request reports on the repairs of various vessels, as requested by Roosevelt. He addresses a concern to Roosevelt about the transition from Charles Hial Darling to Truman Handy Newberry as Assistant Secretary of the Navy. Both parties seem anxious to proceed, but the gentleman whom Darling is replacing in Vermont has not announced a definite date for his departure from his post. Bonaparte looks forward to accepting Roosevelt’s invitation to Oyster Bay, on his return from the Berkshires.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-08-30
Germany is interested in the Chinese progress of the Canton-Hankow railroad. China has taken a loan from the British, which the Germans suspect is to compensate for their failure to take control of the Yangtze Valley. Peace in Germany is certain.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-08-24
Kermit Roosevelt discusses a recent trip to Europe. Roosevelt criticizes Mr. Bacon’s inability to handle the excessive death associated with the World War. He describes to his father the state of various countries in Europe, and discusses Spain’s pro-German sentiments.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915